Home Care / Home Health VS Community Living

Independence: Homecare / Home Health VS Community Living

While we all want to stay independent we often have to look at ways to help us achieve this. The Value of Home Care Report put out by the Home Care Association of America states that 9 out of 10 Americans 65 and older want to stay in their own homes however 40% need daily assistance and over 70% will need assistance at some point in their lives, so let’s talk about what the options are and how to help someone decide what is right for them. Because moving once is always better than moving twice! How to define the choices

Home CARE:
Home Care is confused sometimes with Medicare Certified Home Health. Home Health is physician ordered treatment by a nurse and/or therapist for a period of 60 days for those who are home bound and is subject to Medicare rules and guidelines.

Home Care can be contracted by the client and does not require a physician approval. Some of the services will be covered by long term care insurance. The Home Care agency will assess the client and develop a customized care plan that meets the specific needs of the client and their family that may include, but not be limited to the following elements:
• Personal Care
• Transportation
• Medication Assistance
• Meal Preparation
• Light Housekeeping
• Pet Walking and Care Assistance with Exercise Programs
• Transferring and Positioning
• Companionship
• Nurse Delegated Care
• Respite Care
• Toileting and Incontinence care
• Minimal Commitment

Home HEALTH:
Provides medical care in the home setting for a limited period of time. Most insurance programs will fully cover the cost of home health services referred by a physician. Some of these services include;
• Skilled nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech & swallow therapy
• Social services
• Ostomy care
• Wound Care.
• Limited commitment
• Must be homebound to qualify under Medicare.

Homebound: Difficult or Taxing to get out of the home for services.

Community Living:
Independent and assisted living communities are communities typically with an age limit of 65 and older. Apartment style living that create community all under one roof. Both independent and Assisted living usually include housekeeping, meals, transportation and activities. Assisted Living will include assistance with medication and personal care such as bathing and dressing. All care is provided by the staff. Communities usually have anywhere 60 and120 people living there, and this can help prevent isolation.
• Assisted living communities have trained caregivers on site 24 hours a day in case you need them
• Care can be added if needed and can be temporary
• Care fees start at about $20.00 per day
• Community is all around you.
• You don’t have to be separated from your spouse or partner
• All of your meals are prepared for you and you don’t eat alone
• Housekeeping is done for you *
• You can get your laundry done and delivered for a small fee, sometimes it’s even included. *
• Usually a spend down (private pay period) of 3-4 years is required before allowing the resident to use the COPES or Medicaid program.

*unless you enjoy these chores. It is not mandatory that these are done for you unless you want them done.

Understanding the goal and deciding YOU want to spend YOUR time and energy is invaluable when trying to make these life changing decisions. Here are a few questions that might help you decide what is the right choice for you or your loved one.

• Are you feeling Isolated?
• Are you able to manage your own Hygiene?
• Have you been losing weight?
• Do you often find yourself missing medications?
• Have you had any falls?
• Are your bills delinquent?
• Have you been missing appointments?
• Have you experience any confusion?
• Has your home has just gotten too big and are you are only living in part of your house?
• What resources do you have and what can you afford?

Did you know that up to 75% of seniors have admitted to making some kind of medication mistake and over 43% report feeling lonely.

How do all of these solutions benefit families?
Often times the caregiver’s health is declining and their overall health is better when someone is taking care of their loved one.
Jobs are not affected due to constant time off resulting in fewer lost wages

What about costs to the Senior?
Home Care can range from $25.00 to $45.00 hourly or may offer some daily/weekly packages ranging from $60.00 to $600.00
Home Health is typically covered by Medicare Part A and B. You can ask your provider about other insurance options.
Assisted living can range from $2600-$8500 depending on apartment size and care needs.
Skilled Nursing can run 10-18,000.00 per month.

If you’d like more information or just some honest help to decide what is truly best for you, feel free to contact me at Kelley@www.carepartnersliving.com or call me at 425-931-2951
Kelley R. Smith
CarePartners Senior Living

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